If you live near the coast, you may not get the life out of your muffler that those who live inland do. This is because the salty sea air can corrode the muffler and damage it prematurely. On average, drivers should expect to get 40,000 miles to 80,000 miles out of their mufflers. In terms of duration, this equates to about two to four years. Below, we are going to list the signs that you need a new muffler. Generally, the reason for the necessary repair is that the muffler has a hole in it.
Excess Noise
If your muffler has a hole in it, your engine will be extremely loud. In fact, you may be excited because it will sound as if you’re driving a race car. Unfortunately, your excitement may dissipate if you get pulled over for a moving violation. The muffler can make the engine so loud that your automobile will break noise abatement laws. When this happens, you can be cited. As such, it’s important to have the muffler replaced as soon as possible once the engine is too loud. Do not worry. We can replace the muffler at our shop and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
Rattling/Rumbling
Another sign that your muffler needs to be replaced is if your vehicle rattles and rumbles when you press down on the accelerator. Again, it is cool that this makes your vehicle sound like a race car, but you can get in trouble with the local authorities for driving the automobile with a damaged muffler. The combination of the loud engine and the rattling and rumbling can disturb the peace. As such, and again, we recommend that you have the muffler replaced as quickly as you can. This restores your vehicle’s normal noise level, which is within the legal limits.
As an Aside…
We feel that it is important to note that the above symptoms can also be caused by a stolen catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is also a part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. Consequently, if someone steals the catalytic converter out from underneath your automobile, your engine will be much louder when you first start your vehicle. You will also have engine performance problems if you attempt to drive the automobile.
Give us a call today to set up a service appointment if you need a new muffler. We would be happy to remove the old muffler and replace it with a new one that will give you another two to four years.
